Potassium:Are You Getting Too Much

We all need potassium for our bodies to function properly, however, getting too much can do harm especially with the elderly. Do you know what your levels are and how much potassium you need?

Bananas are high in Potassium

If you have high blood pressure, reducing your sodium intake is fantastic but according to Colorado State University, “Newer evidence suggests that dietary potassium may play a role in decreasing blood pressure. Potassium is involved in nerve function, muscle control and blood pressure. A diet low in potassium and high in sodium may be a factor in high blood pressure. Increasing potassium in the diet may protect against hypertension in people who are sensitive to high levels of sodium.”

American Heart Association gives us the following list of Potassium rich foods for those who need it:

• Sweet potatoes
• Potatoes
• Greens
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Lima beans
• Peas
• Bananas
• Tomatoes, tomato juice and tomato sauce (look for low-sodium versions)
• Oranges and orange juice
• Cantaloupe and honeydew melon
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice (talk to your healthcare provider if you're taking a cholesterol-lowering drug) 
•  Prunes and prune juice
• Apricots and apricot juice
• Raisins and dates
• Fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk
• Fat-free yogurt
• Halibut
• Tuna
• Molasses 

The recommended dose of potassium for adults is 4.7 grams or 4700 mg. and getting the potassium in our diets for most people is easy, however for some, especially the elderly too much potassium is harmful.

According to one of my clients, which asked to remain anonymous, here is what they face on a daily basis. “We have battled electrolyte imbalance in my mother for the past two years as her kidney and heart function decline, resulting in hospitalizations and rehab in nursing homes. That care always restores her mental clarity and strength because there she must adhere to the proper diet and hydration. The solution for her is a very well monitored low-sodium, low-potassium, high protein diet with six cups of liquid daily, but it is extremely difficult for my mother and stepfather to comprehend the critical importance of this or accept the dietary restrictions. It means changing a very established lifestyle. The most troubling result of not following the diet and staying hydrated has been the impact on her mind. She becomes confused and at worst, combative with dementia-like symptoms, which sometimes has been followed by a TIA or stroke, or more damage to her heart. When she eats and drinks correctly, her physical strength, mental sharpness and disposition improve."

STOP EATING THESE FOODS HIGH IN POTASSIUM:

• Raisins
• Any kind of potato
• Lima beans and pinto beans
• Tomatoes or tomato sauce or ketchup
• Squash
• Spinach
• Prunes
• Bananas
• Red beets
• Cantaloupe or muskmelon
• Oranges and orange juice

LOW POTASSIUM FOODS YOU CAN HAVE:

• Apples, apple juice, applesauce
• Apricots
• Blueberries
• Cranberries, cranberry juice cocktails
• Fruit cocktail
• Grapes, grape juice
• Canned Peaches (not fresh)
• Canned Pears
• Plums
• Raspberries
• Watermelon
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Lettuce, all types
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Radishes

It is important to pay attention to our bodies. If things are not right, see a doctor and follow the instructions they give you. The restrictions are not to punish you, instead to make you healthier. Potassium: Are you getting too much?